Simon Woolley

Joined the Australian Army on the 8 Nov 1989 and after basic training and trade training I was posted to 2nd Signal Squadron - Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, Melbourne.

March, 1992 I was deployed to Cambodia as part of UNTAC. I was attached to 1 Sqn HQ (Pteah Australii) and worked in the Orderly room with CPL Mick Quinn. Being only 19 in Cambodia was a real eye opener. I made some very good friends during the deployment and that 12 months changed the way I looked at the world.

On my return to Australia, in March 1993, I was posted to the School of Signals in Watsonia, Melbourne. I enjoyed my time at the school and meet many interesting people, including my wife. From 1995 - 1996 I was posted to the 1st Commando Regiment and was based in Watsonia with 126 Sig Sqn. I earned my green beret and commando parachute wings in Jan 1995. I was then posted posted to the Special Warfare Wing in Queenscliffe which was fantastic.

In 1996, I got married to Kellie and changed trades in the Army to become a computer "geek". I worked in Victoria Barracks, Melbourne until 2000 and was then posted to 103 Sig Sqn in Townsville. Loved every minute of my time in Townsville. I was the Troop Sergeant of Information System Troop and had a great bunch of guys and girls working for me - some of which I still email regularly.

The year 2000, saw me head over to Bougainville to help out with Operation Bel Isi (means "calm stomach"). I was in charge of the computer operations for the whole island and loved every minute of my time there. I took over 3,000 photos which will feature on my soon to be created site - www.opbelisi.com

Had a part time job writing for the Townsville Bulletin (News Corp.) as a freelance technology journalist. I wrote for a column called "Switched On" which informed users on emerging technologies and new gadgets. Over two years I produced over one hundred articles.

Next stop was Darwin in 2002. As a Sergeant Instructor (HDA for WO2), I taught soldiers all over Australia how to use a software and hardware package the Army was introducing.

Started my photography business - www.digitalinaflash.com.au while in Darwin and currently have around 2,000 commercial grade images for sale. I have had my images published in a number of magazines,newspapers, calendars and even a coffee table book about Koalas.

In 2004, the Army tried to screw me over and I decided to discharge - not an easy decision after 15 years of service. After being told what to wear and look like 24/7 I dyed my hair red and grew a goatee.

We moved to Canberra and I am currently employed as a Team Leader/Manager of an IT Support Centre (computer helpdesk). Tried out the Army Reserves for a while but found it to be too different to the regular Army so quit.

In 2006, I spent a lot of time researching how I could run my own web server from home. Not only would it save me money but I could put as much stuff as I wanted on the internet - yes I am a GEEK and I had the number plate to prove it!!

I now own and manage 15 internet domains including this one, on two web servers. I have also managed to setup an email server which makes keeping track of email addresses so much easier. Have a look at the links page for some of my sites.

I have finally gone live with my latest business venture - www.pickapc4me.com - this business will provide consumers with honest computer buying advice. No longer will the computer salesman be able to rip you off because you don't understand computers, with my help you will get the right computer at the right price -every time. I also do computer repairs in the Canberra region at very cheap rates.

Deployed to the Solomon Islands on the 7 Jun 2007 and returned on the 29 Sep 2007. I had an absolute ball and took over 7,000 photos. Which hopefully when I have finished updating this site will feature in my photos page.

Simon Woolley

PHOTOS OF ME

PUBLISHED WORK
Townsville Bulletin 5 Dec 2000 First ever article (225KB)	Townsville Bulletin 18 Dec 2000 (193KB)	Camera Magazine Feb 2002 (1MB)
Canberra Times 13 Mar 2005 Princess Mary (553KB)	Canberra Times 22 Aug 2005 VP Day (183KB)	APC Magazine Feb 2006 Extreme Geek (340KB)
Koalas - Moving Portraits of Serenity First published book - (1MB)